The small model unmanned aerial system (UAS) fleet is forecast to more than double in size from 1.1 million vehicles in 2017 to 2.4 million units in 2022, according to the FAA. Construction is one industry that is benefiting from the use of drone technology on the jobsite—and this is only the beginning.
What if your drone could talk to your equipment on the jobsite and other robotics systems or sensors helping perform tasks down below? This could take drones to a whole new level in construction.
Commercial Drone Customization
Now, one company is saying the future of commercial drones is customization. DJI recently unveiled a new payload software development kit (SDK), which enables non-DJI cameras, sensors, and payloads—like air-to-ground communication tools and devices—to be mounted and integrated directly into DJI’s Matrice 200 Series drones.
The company explains that by opening up its core technology to the commercial drone ecosystem, any manufacturer, developer, or researcher can create a drone that is customized for a specific purpose or industry.
The Payload SDK also can access the drone’s data communications system so operators can communicate with the sensor and receive data in real time. It can also integrate with robotics components and more.
This will offer a number of new opportunities to the construction industry in the future. The end result will likely be more streamlined workflows and lower operational costs.
